Inclusion of “My Jesus” on American Idol
By Jennifer McClure | April 11, 2008
So it appears that something influenced someone at AI to use the original lyrics of “My Jesus” in the song “Shout to the Lord” on last night’s show. All I’ll say about that is I’m glad they got it right this time. The conclusion I believe I’m coming to concerning my personal take on all of this is comparative to something that took place in biblical times. In the time before Jesus, the Old Testament records occurrences when sacred objects were captured or stolen out of the temple by an invading force and then set up in a temple of another god. Like a sacred object is still beautiful and special wherever it is displayed, this song retains its beauty and uniqueness wherever it is performed. But the lack of personal meaning behind the song for the performers, for me, seems to taint the use of the song insomuch that it is not sung out of a motivation to give praise and glory to God as it is to bring attention, even glory, to the singers. But even as I write these thoughts I can’t help but wonder how many church services this past Sunday morning the same was true for the worship leader or members of the worship team.
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Possible Perspective of Darlene Zschech
By Jennifer McClure | April 10, 2008
Many of you who have been commenting on the last post about AI may find this perspective interesting. It’s includes an excerpt from an interview with Darlene Zschech, author of “Shout to the Lord.”
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“Shout to the Lord” on Tonight’s “American Idol”
By Jennifer McClure | April 9, 2008
Word on the Web is tonight’s “American Idol,” the special “Idol Gives Back” episode, will conclude with the worship song “Shout to the Lord” by Hillsong/Integrity’s Darlene Zschech. According to a few bloggers who claimed to have attended the show and a press release, the show was recorded Sunday at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre.
So I’m curious as to why this song. Though it is undeniably strong and powerful both lyrically and musically, I find it interesting that such a blatantly worshipful, praise-giving-to-God song was chosen. I’m just not sure how I feel about it.
On one hand, it’s great exposure for a beautiful Christian song that shows love, respect and awe for God. On the other hand, is it just a ploy the executives chose to appeal to a Christian audience in order to boost ratings? And still on the other hand, was there a Christian somewhere involved in the makings of this night who believed having this song sung might impact viewers for Christ?
I guess whatever the motivation for concluding “Idol Gives Back” with “Shout to the Lord,” God can use it. Perhaps I should go even further to say that it definitely opens a door or provides a springboard for a God-centered conversation with friends and family who aren’t Christians.
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Loud Music Suit Filed Against Church
By Jennifer McClure | April 2, 2008
I’ve been a part of half a dozen or more worship teams, and more than once noise control has been a problem. But check out this story about one church whose noise complaints came from beyond just those from within the building all the way to the neighbor inside his home across the street. If the neighbor’s complaint is accurate, that’s just ridiculous. I love singing praises and playing music to God, but there’s just no need for excessive volume.
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Convicting Shades of Gray
By Jennifer McClure | March 27, 2008
Short and slightly hunched, the man in front of me appeared to be in his 50s. Unkempt gray hair wisped about his head. A plaid flannel shirt that once held color was faded to gray — so much so it almost looked dusty. But even grayer than his hair or shirt was the air about him, as if a cloud of depression hung low like a fog.
Though I pretended to be interested in the magazine covers and candy bars that flanked me, I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation just a few feet from me.
During the few minutes it took to complete his transaction, the cashier asked if he was still homeless, how the medical tests were coming and when he’d get to go home. For some reason he had been kept in our city due to medical tests though he resides many miles south in a neighboring state.
At this store, I’ve found it not unusual for cashiers to know tidbits about their regular customers. Though I am a not a regular at the establishment — actually, I try to avoid it — I occasionally stop there when it’s on my way and I have just a few items to pick up. Being located in a run-down area of town, there are people hanging out in and around the store who make me, a young professional, feel less than comfortable.
But that day in line, I witnessed a cashier willingly share in a stranger’s heavy, gloomy cloud as she expressed genuine interest in his life. She made final attempts at piercing the man’s gray air with rays of hope as she extended best wishes. Certainly he must have appreciated her open ear and encouraging words. I only wonder how her words changed him.
As I pushed my shopping cart out of the store, I saw the man, now sitting outside on a bench. He gazed aimlessly back into the store through the glass panes. His eyes seemed gray, lacking any spark and searching for hope.
Accompanied by the rattling of the cart, I cross the parking lot to my car and dutifully loaded my bags into it.
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Spring!
By Jennifer McClure | March 20, 2008
Spring is finally here! Though the weather doesn’t match the season just yet in some places of the USA, it’s encouraging to know we’re out of the season of ice storms, snows and the flu. How appropriate it is that Easter — a holiday celebrating new life, Jesus’ resurrection and the new life He brings — will coincide with the first weekend of spring, the season of new beginnings, which for me will include starting my first garden. So enjoy the Easter egg hunts, painting eggs and other Easter traditions you may have, and if you have any gardening tips, please share!
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Thankful Reflections
By Jennifer McClure | March 11, 2008
One hundred years ago, on March 8, 1908, an estimated 15,000 women participated in the garment workers’ strike in New York, protesting against working conditions and demanding economic and political rights. In 1987, Congress declared the month of March to be Women’s History Month.
In light of this, I think it’d be good to reflect on how far we’ve come and some of the privileges we, as women, now enjoy that our great grandmothers did not share.
We are free and even encouraged to further our education and exercise our right to vote in political elections. And though some would debate this, compared to the past, we do enjoy equal opportunity in the workforce. And on a lesser end, we are very blessed to have some of the wonderful modern advances to help with what were once very labor-intensive and time-consuming chores.
Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list. But take a few moments to look back and give thanks for the freedoms we have today. Feel free to share your thoughts of particular things – freedoms or inventions even – that have come about in the past 100 years.
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March - A Month of New Beginnings
By Jennifer McClure | March 5, 2008
When you think of March, you probably don’t think of wishing someone happy New Year. But for the ancient Romans, it made sense that the year would begin with spring. So March for some time was the first month in the ancient Roman calendar. Some historians believe even the calendar in Russia began with March 1 as late as the 15th century. So historically and seasonally, this month is one of new beginnings.
Thinking upon this, I began to realize all the new beginnings this month has brought to my own life in recent years.
Four years ago today my husband and I officially commenced our dating relationship. A few years ago yesterday my sister-in-law joined our family. It was also in the month of March that my husband and I moved into our first house and purchased our first car together.
This year, the month continues to live up to its reputation, bringing the start of a new career for my husband and the highly anticipated season of spring. Also, it just so happens that Easter falls in March this year, just days after the first day of spring. What a beautiful picture of new beginnings, bringing hope of new life.
Topics: Random Ramblings | 1 Comment »
Making News Coughing
By Jennifer McClure | February 26, 2008
They say to write what you know. Well, for me right now that’ll have to be the flu. Last week I joined the thousands in the U.S. who have made this year’s flu season one of historic proportions.
Lying on my couch at home watching the evening national news, I felt like a feverish heap of gray matter that in some small way was not only watching the news but also making it. That thought helped me not feel entirely worthless — I was helping make history.
Though the worst part of the sickness is behind me, my poor co-workers have to put up with me disturbing the peaceful hum of printers and clicking of keyboards with my cough every five minutes. But hopefully that’ll be the extent of how they are affected by my sickness.
So stay well, and remember: spring is just around the bend.
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The Heart of the Holiday
By Jennifer McClure | February 18, 2008
Valentine’s Day 2008 has come and gone, but the chocolate hearts and candies with messages of love will linger on the clearance aisle for a little while still.
Though I’m married now, it wasn’t that long ago that I was a single adult in college. Valentine’s Day wasn’t my favorite holiday nor that of my fellow single friends. In our minds, it was a day for the universe to remind us we were “lacking,” for romantic couples to be gushy in public, and for the card, flower and candy companies to cash in.
I know the first half of this month is all about love and most-often romantic love, but I want to use up some cyberspace to address any in the proud-to-be-single crowd who may struggle with their marital status during this particular season more than other times.
I’m not going to preach how God has a plan for your life, and if marriage is included in that, He’s preparing the right person for you and the right timing for you to come into knowledge of His plan. I simply want to focus on the amazing honor we have in being offered the most perfect and greatest Valentine ever and the call Christians have to be a Valentine to others.
So what is this great Valentine? I’ll give you a hint, the outside of it says something like: “To: Mankind; From: Your Father, God.”
Topics: Devotional | 1 Comment »
